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Opinion: Returning players lifting Glory

Saturday night's comeback win over Melbourne City will live long in the memory of those who were there inside nib Stadium to witness it.

Adam Taggart's stoppage-time winner sent the Glory faithful into raptures, with the striker's emphatic header moving the home side to within four points of sixth spot.

There were plenty of positives to draw from the match, with the most obvious being a return to winning ways and a big jump towards securing yet another finals appearance.

But there were a few others that may have gone unnoticed by most.

With City 1-0 up and seemingly also in the ascendancy in terms of momentum, Kenny Lowe injected some fresh legs in the shape of Andreu and Taggart, both of whom were returning from injury.

And it was great to see the duo make a profound impact upon the game almost immediately.

Andreu's composure, patience and accurate distribution helped stretch the game as Glory began to dictate terms against 10-man City, while Taggart's hunger and intricate runs into the area caused havoc for the increasingly under-siege visitors.

There was a clearly discernible shift in both atmosphere and momentum as Perth began peppering the City goalmouth with shots and crosses, with Joel Chianese featuring prominently on the right wing.

Lowe's third change, meanwhile, saw him introduce Jake Brimmer in place of Diego Castro and although the move was an enforced one due to the Spaniard picking up a calf injury, it again paid dividends.

For it was the teenager's quickly-taken free-kick that led to Chianese's deflected cut-back falling at Neil Kilkenny's feet, who then made no mistake as he evened up the ledger with a tidy and calculated finish into the bottom corner.

With Taggart continuing to find himself in dangerous positions, the stage was set for a dramatic finale and everyone inside the ground could sense it.

When Chianese whipped the ball to the back post with Taggart lingering, the home fans rose from their seats as one in anticipation of yet another clutch strike from the Socceroo.

And he didn't disappoint.

The 24-year-old provided one of the best moments of the season so far, his header leaving City 'keeper Dean Bouzanis with no hope and providing what could be a watershed moment for our finals ambitions with key personnel returning to the frame and perhaps, just perhaps, things finally beginning to bounce our way.